PROFIBUS Networks

Softing products cover diagnostic needs and applications during the entire network lifecycle, from installation via commissioning to network operation and they are complemented by a comprehensive training- and service offering. As a result, end customers can operate and maintain their industrial networks more efficiently and reduce the risk of network failures.

PROFIBUS Network Diagnostics

The Softing diagnostics tools address the requirements of the individual lifecycle phases of PROFIBUS networks.

Installation and Cable Test

Already during the installation of PROFIBUS networks it is possible to reduce the risk of failure by performing cable tests and checking the bus physics. Especially, this is true for hard-to-substitute backbone connection cables, whose later replacement often would result in plant downtimes and high costs.

Commissioning and Troubleshooting

During commissioning of PROFIBUS networks it is advisable to check PROFIBUS networks for network and communication failures and thus to ensure its operability. This minimizes the risk of failure and saves costs for complex rework. The quality of the PROFIBUS network is documented in an acceptance report.

Once failures have been detected during operation, the check of bus physics and bus communication assists in troubleshooting the network.

Operations Monitoring

Operations monitoring evaluates the communication behavior of the PROFIBUS network on a running system. For this purpose, characteristic network parameters, e.g. the number of error frames, are monitored and evaluated .The overrun of application-specific limits generates an automatic alarm to the maintenance personnel. This way, initiating failures are detected at an early stage and specific predictive maintenance can be scheduled.

Software for central collection of TH LINK PROFIBUS diagnostic information as well as for network management

Comprehensive Training and Service Offering

Softing has been certified as official PROFIBUS Competence Center by PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI). The Softing Academy provides this knowledge to customers through training and workshops. This helps users to become familiar with the underlying technology and to understand the basics for the correct installation and the reliable operation of PROFIBUS networks.

Additional Material, Videos and Demo Versions

Application Stories and References

Softing diagnostics tools help the industrial users monitor PROFIBUS networks and detect and correct failures at an early stage. This makes the maintenance of industrial networks more efficient and minimizes the risk of failures.

Satisfied customers report on their added value, which they have achieved through the use of Softing products.